October 27, 2009

Lobbyist Indicted for Ties to Sudan

Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against a Washington, D.C. lobbyist today for allegedly violating sanctions against the government of Sudan.

According to the Justice Department, Robert Cabelly, a former state department official and managing director of C/R International, did work for the Sudanese without permission from the U.S. government. The firm allegedly brokered business contracts for the country, and gave it “sensitive” U.S. government information.

The Justice Department says Cabelly was also involved with the Sudanese oil industry, and was being paid by both the country’s government and by a foreign oil company. He allegedly directed the company to deposit a $180,000 payment in an offshore account in the Cook Islands in an attempt to launder the funds.

He is facing eight counts including charges of violating sanctions regulations, money laundering, passport fraud and making false statements.

“The conduct alleged in this indictment is broad in scope and very serious,” said David Kris, assistant attorney general for national security, in a statement.

In 2005, The Washington Post reported that Cabelly’s firm had a $530,000 a year contract to lobby for Sudan.